Back Pain in Dogs

Unless there is an obvious source of injury, you usually notice the first signs of back pain in your dog when he suddenly can't climb up the stairs or jump on the couch. Whether the pain is caused by a genetic condition, a degenerative disease or an injury, there are several treatment options.

    • Back pain in dog can often be detected by a dog's posture and stance.

    Symptoms

    • Back pain in dogs usually manifests first with weakness in the hind legs. Urinary or fecal incontinence may also be a sign of back pain. Generally, any change in movement ability or continence should be checked out by a vet.

    Diagnosis

    • A typical MRI machine

      Your vet will perform x-rays, which may not show degenerative disc disease and other conditions of the nerve, spinal cord or spinal discs that can cause pain. Since the high-cost procedure requires your dog to go under anesthesia, an MRI is not usually performed unless your dog fails to improve with treatment.

    Treatment

    • Initial treatment usually consists of anti-inflammatory medicine like Rimadyl or Duramax and rest. If your dog does not improve, surgery may be an option.

    Alternative Therapy

    • Since the long-term use of common anti-inflammatory drugs may cause adverse side effects, you should consider acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, herbal remedies, hydrotherapy and other conservative complementary therapies. These treatments can help relieve pain and improve your dog's gait.

    Time Frame

    • Untreated back conditions may lead to severe problems, so you should visit a vet as soon as your dog begins showing signs of pain. With spinal cord injuries, the cord and fluid may not regenerate, which may lead to permanent problems or paralysis.

    Expert Insight

    • Never let your general vet tell you your dog isn't a candidate for surgery due to age or likelihood of re-injury without seeking the advice of a neurologist. Only a dog neurologist can properly diagnosis the pain, suggest therapies and perform the surgery if necessary. Even older dogs with severe paralysis may benefit from surgery performed by a qualified specialist.